Transcriptome analysis of RNAi induced asian citrus psyllid using quantitative real-time PCR and next generation sequencing

The Asian Citrus Psyllid (Diaphorina citri Kuwayama) is an invasive Homopteran that has crippled citrus production in Florida spreading Huanglongbing (Citrus Greening) disease, causing small discolored and bitter fruit. The disease is associated with the bacterium ‘Candidatus’ Liberibacter and is rapidly spreading to other citrus producing states. RNAi studies of targeted Genes were based upon a competitive Innocentive challenge among experts from diverse fields funded by the Citrus Research and Development Foundation. Seven of the fifty genes tested caused significantly high mortality and showed dose response to dsRNA containing diets. Transcriptome analysis performed using qRT-PCR and Ion Torrent Sequencing quantified changes in the expression profile of gut tissue resulting from dsRNA containing diets. Most of these genes share similar cellular function and mode of action. These results support a systems-based approach to targeting the GI tract of Psyllids using RNAi.